Devices for Analyzing the Presence and Concentration of Multiple Analytes Using a Diffusion-based Chemical Sensor

ABSTRACT

Abstract of Disclosure 
     The present invention provides a microfabricated sensor and a method capable of rapid simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes in a fluid sample.  The sensor is inexpensive, disposable and portable, and requires only microliters of sample, a particular advantage with precious fluids such as blood.  The sensor utilizes diffusion between layered laminar streams rather than side by side streams.  This allows multiple side by side channels for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes.  In the sensor, a sample stream and a carrier stream flow in layers, one on top of the other, and one or more reagents are introduced to the bottom of the carrier stream through either a fluid or a solid reagent inlet.  The reagent contains reagent particles which, in the presence of the analyte, have a detectable change in a property.  The analyte diffuses into the carrier stream where it interacts with reagent particles and is detected by optical, electrochemical or other means.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application serial no. 09/441,572 filed November 17, 1999, which is a divisional of application serial no. 08/938,093 filed September 26, 1997, Patent No. 6007,775, both of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent not inconsistent herewith.

Background of Invention

[0002] This invention relates to diffusion based microsensors and methods for analyzing the presence and concentration of multiple analytes in samples containing both these analytes and, optionally, larger particles. The invention is particularly useful for analyzing complex samples, such as blood, to detect the presence of small particles, such as ions or proteins, in a stream containing larger particles, such as cells.

[0003] The greater diffusion of small particles relative to larger particles can be used to partially separate the species. Diffusion is a process which can easily be neglected at large scales, but rapidly becomes important at the microscale. Due to extremely small inertial forces in such structures, practically all flow in microstructures is laminar. This allows the movement of different layers of fluid and particles next to each other in a channel without any mixing other than diffusion. Moreover, due to the small lateral distances in such channels, diffusion is a powerful tool to separate molecules and small particles according to their diffusion coefficients.

[0004] Using tools developed by the semiconductor industry to miniaturize electronics, it is possible to fabricate intricate fluid systems with channel sizes as small as a micron. These devices can be mass-produced inexpensively and are expected to soon be in widespread use for simple analytical tests.

[0005] A process called "field-flow fractionation" (FFF) has been used to separate and analyze components of a single input stream in a system not made on the microscale, but having channels small enough to produce laminar flow. Various fields, including concentration gradients, are used to produce a force perpendicular to the direction of flow to cause separation of particles in the input stream (see, e.g. Giddings, J.C., U.S. Patent 4,147,621; Caldwell, K.D. et al., U.S. Patent 5,240,618; Wada, Y., et al., U.S. Patent 5,465,849). None of these references disclose the use of a separate input stream to receive particles diffused from a particle-containing input stream.

[0006] A related method for particle fractionation is the "Split Flow Thin Cell" (SPLITT) process (see, e.g., Williams, P.S., et al. (1992), Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 31:2172-2181; and J.C. Giddings U.S. Patent 5,039,426). These publications disclose channel cells with channels small enough to produce laminar flow, but again only provide for one inlet stream. A further U.S. patent to J.C. Giddings, U.S. Patent No. 4,737,268, discloses a SPLITT flow cell having two inlet streams. Giddings U.S. Patent 4,894,146 also discloses a SPLITT flow cell having two input streams. All these SPLITT flow methods require the presence of more than one output stream for separating various particle fractions.

[0007] None of the foregoing publications describe a channel system capable of analyzing small particles in very small quantities of sample containing larger particles, particularly larger particles capable of affecting the indicator used for the analysis. No devices or methods provide simultaneous measurement of more than one analyte.

Summary of Invention

[0008] The present invention provides a microfabricated sensor capable of rapid simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes in a fluid sample. Reagents can be loaded into the sensor during fabrication and only the sample fluid needs to be introduced for measurement, making it ideal for use outside of the laboratory. The detection apparatus can be as simple as a human eye, a camera, or a voltmeter, which also supports field use. The sensor is sufficiently simple and inexpensive to manufacture that it is practical for disposable use. Multiple analytes can be simultaneously detected with only microliters of sample, a particular advantage with precious fluids such as blood.

[0009] A previously-provided channel cell system for detecting the presence of analyte particles in a sample stream also comprising larger particles is described in U.S. Patents 5,972,710 and 5,716,852, both of which are incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent herewith. The previous system comprised a laminar flow channel having at least two inlets for conducting fluids into the laminar flow channel. The inlets contained (1) a sample stream containing analyte particles and also containing larger particles and (2) an indicator stream having a substance which indicates the presence of the analyte particles by a detectable change in property. The two streams flow side by side in the channel without turbulent mixing. The analyte particles diffuse into the indicator stream to the substantial exclusion of the larger particles, and their presence is detected by reaction with the indicator substance.

[0010] The present invention provides an apparatus and a method which utilize diffusion between layered laminar streams rather than side by side streams. This allows multiple side by side reagent inlets for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. Additionally, utilizing diffusional separation, the sensor can tolerate fluid samples also containing larger particles.

[0011] Specifically, a diffusion based sensor is provided comprising a laminar flow channel having an upstream end and a downstream end; a sample inlet connected to said laminar flow channel for conducting a sample fluid stream into said laminar flow channel; a carrier inlet connected to said laminar flow channel for conducting a carrier fluid stream into said laminar flow channel in layered laminar flow contact with said sample fluid; and a first reagent inlet connecting with said laminar channel downstream from said carrier inlet for introducing a reagent into said laminar flow channel in contact with said carrier fluid stream. The reagent inlet can be a solid reagent inlet, such as a cavity in the channel over which the carrier fluid stream layer passes, so that the solid reagent diffuses into the carrier fluid stream. The reagent inlet may also be a reagent stream inlet for conducting a reagent stream into the laminar flow channel in layered laminar flow contact with the carrier fluid stream.

[0012] The laminar flow channel of the sensor may be enlarged at the carrier inlet to accommodate the carrier stream layer.

[0013] The laminar flow channel may or may not comprise an outlet. The channel may expand into a chamber containing an absorbent material, or the channel may simply terminate without an outlet, and may have disposed within the terminal end an absorbent material. The absorbent material may be any material which absorbs liquid, preferably all the liquid in the sensor, such as a tissue, a filter, a hydrogel, or a material that absorbs nonaqueous fluids such as activated charcoal. The absorbent material may be in the form of a pad, and can be of any size sufficient to absorb at least a portion of the fluid in the channel. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is about the height and width of a playing card, and comprises absorbent pads about 2 cm in diameter and about 3 mm thick made of paper. These pads are capable of absorbing about 1 ml of fluid.

[0014] The channels may be equipped with second and, optionally, subsequent, reagent inlets downstream from the carrier inlet. These reagent inlets may be arranged in parallel, i.e. side by side on a line orthogonal to the flow direction and parallel to the plane of the interface between the sample fluid and carrier fluid layers, or they may be arranged in series, downstream from the carrier inlet and in a line parallel to the flow direction, or in a staggered line parallel to the flow direction.

[0015] Sensors containing the various sample, carrier and reagent streams are also provided by this invention.

[0016] The laminar flow channels may be straight or convoluted.

[0017] The sensors of this invention may be combined with art-known filters, detectors, pumps and other attachments, as well as other microflow devices known to the art such as those described in Patent Nos. 5,932,100, 5,716,852, 5,726,751, 5,726,404 5,922,210, 5,747,349, 5,748,827, 5,971,158, 6,007,775, 5,974,867 5,948,684, and 6,067,157, all of which are incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent herewith.

[0018] The sensors of this invention may also comprise a detector, such as an optical or electrochemical detector, or multiple detectors positioned with respect to the channel to detect interaction of components of the sample stream with the reagents. When optical detectors are used, at least a portion of the channel should be formed in a transparent material, i.e. the channel should be visible in its entirety or through windows in the channel walls. For electrochemical detection, an electrode or electrodes may be positioned in the channel or in communication with the channel. Electrodes can be coated on the channel walls. Detectors may be positioned in parallel or in series.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0019]FIG. 1, comprising FIGS. 1a-b, is (a) a cross section and (b) a plan view of a reagent inlet and of the change in reagent particles on interaction with analyte particles.

[0020]FIG. 2, comprising FIGS. 2a-b, is (a) a cross section and (b) a plan view of a diffusion based sensor having three reagent inlets in parallel.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a cross section of a solid reagent inlet with reagent diffusing into a carrier fluid.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a cross section of a sensor having two reagent inlets in series and having a preceding diffusion based microfilter.

[0023] FIG 5 is a plan view of a portion of a laminar flow channel of a sensor having a chamber containing an absorbent pad.

[0024]FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of a laminar flow channel of a sensor having a terminal end containing an absorbent pad rather than an outlet.

Detailed Description

[0025] In this invention, a sample stream and a carrier stream flow in layers, one on top of the other, rather than side by side. A reagent is introduced to the bottom of the carrier stream through either a fluid or a solid reagent inlet. The reagent contains reagent particles which, in the presence of the analyte, have a detectable change in a property. The sample stream can contain larger particles such as cells as well as the analytes of interest. The term "particles" refers to any species, including dissolved and particulate species such as molecules, cells, suspended and dissolved particles, ions and atoms. The analyte diffuses into the carrier stream where it interacts with reagent particles and is detected by optical, electrochemical or other means.

[0026] The sample stream may also contain larger particles, which may also be sensitive to the reagent. Because these do not diffuse into the carrier stream, they do not interfere with detection of the analyte. By diffusion of the analyte but not the larger particles, crossof reagents to larger sample components, a common problem, can be avoided. Furthermore, the reagent can be kept in a solution in which it displays its optimal characteristics. For example, crossto pH or ionic strength can be suppressed by using strongly buffered carrier solutions.

[0027] A reagent inlet joins the laminar flow channel on the surface abutting the carrier stream. For multiple analyte detection, each inlet is narrower than the flow channel. For single analyte detection the inlet can be as wide as the flow channel. A fluid reagent inlet is a fluid channel. The fluid reagent forms a stream in layered laminar flow with the carrier and sample streams, but it is a relatively thin and narrow layer since the inlet is narrower than the channel and the reagent fluid volume is small relative to the sample and carrier fluids. A solid reagent inlet is a cavity in the laminar flow channel on the side containing the carrier stream, or other means by which a solid or viscous reagent can be immobilized. Flow of the carrier fluid over the solid reagent dissolves or suspends the reagent particles in the carrier stream.

[0028] Because the sample and carrier streams are layered rather than side by side, multiple reagent inlets can be positioned side by side in parallel to allow simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. A layered flow of sample and carrier streams is established and reagents are introduced into the carrier stream using parallel inlets which are narrow compared to the width of the carrier stream. The reagent inlets are spaced sufficiently far apart that there need be no undesired interdiffusion between the reagents. Optical measurement of analyte concentrations can be made by multi-wave two-dimensional imaging. Multiple analytes can be detected simultaneously using equipment as simple as a camera. Electrochemical detection can utilize a plurality of electrodes placed in the flow channel.

[0029] A second reagent inlet can be positioned downstream of and in series with the first reagent inlet for sequential addition of reagents. The first and second inlets can be used, for example, to admit first and second antibodies for sandwich assay of an antigen. In another example, the first inlet admits a reagent which reacts with the analyte to form a product, and the second inlet admits an indicator for the product. For example, to detect glucose the first reagent can be glucose oxidase and the second a pH sensor.

[0030] The preferred embodiments of this invention utilize liquid streams, although the methods and devices are also suitable for use with gaseous streams.

[0031] The channel cell system of this invention can be used with external detecting means for detecting changes in reagent particles as a result of contact with analyte particles. Detection is done by optical, electrical, chemical, electrochemical, radioactive or calorimetric analysis, or any other technique in the analytical art. More than one detection technique can be used in the same system. The preferred embodiments use optical analysis or a combination of electrochemical and optical analysis. In optical detection, the product stream can be analyzed by luminescence, fluorescence or absorbance. The reagent can be a chemical indicator which changes color or other properties when exposed to the analyte. The reagent can comprise substrate particles such as polymers or beads having a reagent particle immobilized thereon, as described in U.S. Patent Application 08/621,170, filed March 20, 1996, now U.S. Patent No. 5,747,349, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0032] The term "detection" as used herein means determination that a particular substance is present. Typically, the concentration of a particular substance is also determined. The concentration of the analyte particles in the sample stream is determined by detecting the position within the laminar flow channel at which a detectable change in the reagent particles is caused. Generally there is not a distinct boundary in the channel at which a detectable change occurs, but rather a gradient in the detected property. The detection gradient can be used to provide information about flow speed and/or sample concentration.

[0033] The detection gradient for a given analyte stays the same over time as long as the flow speed is constant and the sample unchanged. The gradient can be varied by varying flow rate, sample concentration, and/or reagent concentration so as to optimize the signal for detection. For example, the system can be adjusted so that the gradient falls in the central portion of the device. If the flow rates and reagent concentration are known, the analyte concentration can be determined from the gradient.

[0034] The sample stream may be any stream containing an analyte and, optionally, also containing less diffusive particles, for example blood or other body fluids, contaminated drinking water, contaminated organic solvents, biotechnological process samples, e.g. fermentation broths, and the like. The analyte can be any particle in the sample stream which is capable of diffusing into the carrier stream in the device. The term "small particle" is used herein for any particle sufficiently diffusive to diffuse between streams within the length of the flow channel. Examples of analyte particles are hydrogen, calcium, sodium and other ions, dissolved oxygen, proteins such as albumin, organic molecules such as alcohols and sugars, drugs such as salicylic acid, halothane and narcotics, pesticides, heavy metals, organic and inorganic polymers, viruses, small cells and other particles. Preferably the analyte particles are no larger than about 3 micrometers, more preferably no larger than about 0.5 micrometers, or are no larger than about 1,000,000 MW, and more preferably no larger than about 50,000 MW.

[0035] The carrier can be any fluid capable of accepting particles diffusing from the sample stream and reagent inlet. Preferred carrier streams comprise water and isotonic solutions such as salt water, or organic solvents like acetone, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, or any other liquid convenient which does not interfere with the effect of the analyte on the reagent, or interfere with the detection means.

[0036] The channel cell is generally formed by two plates with abutting surfaces. The channels may be formed in both plates, or one plate can contain the channels and the other can be a flat cover plate. Substrate plate as used herein refers to the piece of material in which the channel system of this invention is formed, e.g., silicon wafer and plastics. The channel cell may be fabricated by microfabrication methods known to the art, e.g. by forming channels in a silicon microchip and placing a glass cover over the surface, or precision injection molding plastic.

[0037] For optical detection, such as absorption, luminescence or fluorescence detection, at least a portion of the channel in the analyte detection area is transparent. Optionally other parts of the channel cell system are also transparent. Analyte detection area as used herein refers to that portion of a flow channel where a detectable change in the analyte or reagent particles is measured.

[0038] For electrochemical detection, one or more electrodes is positioned in the detection area. For turgid sample fluids, the electrodes are preferably placed on the carrier fluid side to prevent fouling of the electrodes. For multiple analytes, multiple electrodes are placed in parallel. To measure the detection gradient for each analyte, multiple electrodes can be positioned in series. The position of the electrodes can be used to distinguish between analytes having similar redox potentials but different diffusion coefficients. The electrodes can be deposited on the channel surface, on either or both plates.

[0039] The method of this invention is designed to be carried out such that all flow is laminar. In general, this is achieved in a device comprising microchannels of a size such that the Reynolds number for flow within the channel is below about 1, preferably below about 0.1. Reynolds number is the ratio of inertia to viscosity. Low Reynolds number means that inertia is essentially negligible, turbulence is essentially negligible, and the flow of the two adjacent streams is laminar, i.e. the streams do not mix except for the diffusion of particles as described above. Flow can be laminar with Reynolds number greater than 1. However, such systems are prone to developing turbulence when the flow pattern is disturbed, e.g., when the flow speed of a stream is changed, or when the viscosity of a stream is changed.

[0040] The laminar flow channel is long enough to permit small analyte particles to diffuse from the sample stream and have a detectable effect on reagent particles, preferably at least about 2 mm long. The diffusion time required depends on the diffusion coefficient of the analyte particles. The reaction time required depends on the reaction rate. Some reactions, such as ion reactions, are completed within microseconds. Some reactions, such as competitive immunoassays that involve unloading a bound antigen, require a few minutes.

[0041] To allow greater time for reaction between the analyte particles and the reagent particles, the length of the product stream channel can be increased. The length of the flow channel depends on its geometry. The flow channel can be straight or convoluted in any of a number of ways. In one embodiment, the flow channel can include a series of turns, making a stairstep or square wave geometry. Convoluted channels provide longer distances for diffusion to occur without increasing the size of the substrate plate in which the channel is formed, thereby allowing for measurement of analytes with smaller diffusion coefficients. The diffusion coefficient of the analyte, which is usually inversely proportional to the size of the analyte, affects the desired flow channel length. For a given flow speed, particles with smaller diffusion coefficients require a longer flow channel to have time to diffuse into the carrier stream. In preferred embodiments of this invention the channel length of a straight flow channel is between about 5 mm and about 50 mm. In embodiments of this invention wherein the flow channel is convoluted, the length of the flow channel is defined or limited only by the size of the microchip or other material into which the channel is etched or otherwise formed.

[0042] As an alternative to increasing channel length to allow more time for diffusion to occur, the flow rate can be decreased. However, several factors limit the minimum flow rate and therefore make a longer flow channel desirable in some cases. First, the flow rate is typically achieved by a pumping means and some types of pumps cannot produce as low a pressure and flow rate as may be desired to allow enough time for diffusion of particles with small diffusion coefficients. Second, if the flow rate is slow enough and some particles are of significantly different density from the surrounding fluid streams, particles denser than the surrounding fluid streams may sink to the bottom of the flow channel and particles less dense than the surrounding fluid streams may float to the top of the flow channel. It is preferable that the flow rate be fast enough that hydrodynamic forces substantially prevent particles from sinking to the bottom, floating to the top, or sticking to the walls of the flow channel. The flow rate of the input streams is preferably between about 5 micrometers/second and about 5000 micrometers/second, more preferably about 25 micrometers/second. For systems wherein sedimentation is not a problem, the flow can be stopped to allow greater time for diffusion and reaction and then resumed. Preferably the flow rate for both the sample and carrier streams is the same.

[0043] The channel depth (diffusion direction) is preferably between about 5 and 500 µm. The channel depth is small enough to allow laminar flow of two layered streams, preferably no greater than about 200 micrometers and more preferably between about 50 micrometers and about 100 micrometers. However, the channel can be made as shallow as possible while avoiding clogging the channel with the particles being used. Decreasing the depth of the channel makes diffusion of analytes into the carrier stream occur more rapidly, and thus detection can be done more rapidly.

[0044] The channel width can be as large as desired, since the laminar flow is relatively insensitive to width. The preferred width depends primarily on the number of parallel reagent inlets. Typically the width is between 0.1 and 1 cm. A 1 cm wide channel can accommodate 10 parallel reagent inlets, for 10 analytes.

[0045] For detecting analytes optically in turbid and strongly colored solutions such as blood, the sample fluid is preferably filtered before measurement. The filter can be any filter known in the art. It can also be a diffusion based microfilter device comprising microchannels in the shape of an "H", as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 08/663,916, filed June 14, 1996, Patent No. 5,932,100, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. In the microfilter, the unfiltered-sample stream, which is a mixture of particles suspended in a fluid, and an extraction stream join in the central channel (the crossbar of the "H") and flow together in the central channel. Due to the small size of the channels, the flow is laminar and the streams do not mix. The residual-sample stream and the extraction stream split at the other end of the channel. While the streams are in laminar flow contact in the central channel, particles having a greater diffusion coefficient (smaller particles) have time to diffuse into the extraction stream, while the larger particles (e.g. blood cells) remain in the sample stream. Particles in the exiting extraction stream (now called the filtered sample stream) may be analyzed without interference from the larger particles. In the present invention the microfilter can be formed in the plane perpendicular to the wafer surface rather than in the plane of the surface.

[0046] Information useful for determining the concentration of the analyte particles in the sample stream can be obtained by providing means for conducting specimen streams from the carrier stream at successive intervals along the length of the laminar flow channel, as described in U.S. Patent Applications 08/829,679, filed March 31, 1997, Patent No. 6,159,739 and 08/625,808, filed March 29, 1996, Patent No. 5,716,852.

[0047] Dual detection embodiments of the device of the present invention which allow for detection of both undissolved and dissolved analytes are also provided. Detection of both undissolved and dissolved analytes can be achieved in one dual detection device with branching flow channels in fluid connection with the flow channel of the diffusion based sensor. Undissolved particles are preferably detected with a flow cytometer. The fluid streams can flow first through a diffusion based sensor flow channel for detection of dissolved particles, and then through a branching channel to a flow cytometer for detection of undissolved particles. Alternatively, the fluid stream can flow first through a flow cytometer and then through a diffusion based sensor flow channel.

[0048] One embodiment of the flow cytometer uses a v-groove flow channel. The v-groove channel is described in detail in U.S. Patent Application 08/534,515, filed September 27, 1995, Patent No. 5,726,751, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The cross-section of such a channel is like a letter V, and thus is referred to as a v-groove channel. The v-groove preferably has a width small enough to force the particles into single file, but large enough to pass the largest particles without clogging. An optical head comprising a laser and small and large angle photodetectors adapted for use with a v-groove flow channel can be employed.

[0049] An alternative means of achieving single file particle flow through a flow channel is the sheath flow module disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 08/823,747, filed March 26, 1997, Patent No. 6,159,739 and incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. The sheath flow module includes sheath fluid inlets before and after, and wider than, a sample inlet.

[0050] Inlets, which comprise the inlet channels, can also include other means such as tubes, syringes, pumps, and the like which provide means for injecting fluid into the device. Outlets can include collection ports, and/or means for removing fluid from the outlet, including receptacles for the fluid, means for inducing flow, such as by capillary action, pressure, gravity, and other means known to the art. Such receptacles may be coupled to an analytical or detection device.

[0051] The method can be conducted by a continuous flow-through of sample and carrier streams. The steadynature of this method makes longer signal integration times possible.

[0052] Additionally, a method is provided for determining kinetic rate constants as a function of the detection gradient. Generally, kinetic measurements are made by plotting a physical property versus time, i.e., time of reaction. The method provided herein for making kinetic measurements as a function of distance traveled by the sample and reagent, rather than time, is advantageous in that it allows for integrating the data from detection over time, thereby increasing the accuracy of the data collected.

[0053] The operation of the diffusion based sensor of this invention is shown in FIG. 1 in (a) cross section and (b) plan view. Flow channels and inlets and outlets are formed in substrate plate 10, covered by transparent cover plate 15. Laminar flows of sample stream 130 and carrier stream 140 are established in channel 20. Due to the low Reynolds number in the small flow channel, no turbulence-induced mixing occurs and the two streams flow parallel to each other without mixing. However, because of the short distances involved, diffusion does act perpendicular to the flow direction, so sample components (analyte particles) diffuse from the sample stream to the carrier stream. The smaller sample components diffuse more rapidly and equilibrate close to the reagent inlet, whereas larger components equilibrate farther up in flow channel 20. The diffusion of analyte particles is indicated by dashed line 131.

[0054] Reagent 150 enters the flow channel through fluid inlet 50, and reagent particles diffuse into the carrier stream, as indicated by dashed line 151. The interaction of the analyte particles with the reagent particles changes a detectable property of the reagent particles. In this example, the reagent turns from green before reaction (150) to red after reaction (155).

[0055] The interaction is viewed from above, as indicated by detection axis 100, and as shown in FIG. 1b. At the inlet the reagent is green. As analyte particles contact reagent particles, when viewed from above the cell the fluid in the channel begins to appear somewhat red in addition to green. The change in color becomes observable at the start 101 of the detection gradient. Moving downstream, the green fades out and the red increases in intensity until only red is observed at the end 102 of the detection gradient. Although this is a flow system, the physical location of the detection gradient in the flow channel stays the same over time as long as the flows are constant and the sample unchanged. The presence of analyte is detected by a change in a property, in this case absorbance. The concentration of the analyte can be determined from the distance it takes to change the property, and in particular from the detection gradient.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the absorbance of the reagent particle changes and the sensor is monitored in transmission. Plates 10 and 15 are made of an optically transparent material such as glass or plastic. The optical apparatus can be very simple. The sensor can be illuminated on one side with a light source such as a light bulb and diffuser, and the absorbance can be detected on the other side with a camera or even a human eye. Alternatively the fluorescence of analyte particles can change in response to the analyte, in which case the fluorescence can be monitored. In another embodiment the reaction of the analyte and reagent makes a luminescent product. For reflection measurements plate 10 need not be transparent, and is preferably made of a reflective material such as silicon.

[0057] Although the sensor is illustrated with optical detection, other detection means can be employed. In particular, the sensor is suited to electrochemical detection.

[0058] The structure of an embodiment of the sensor is shown in FIG. 2 in (a) cross section and (b) plan view. Sample inlet 30 passes through substrate plate 10 into channel 20. Carrier inlet 40 joins the bottom of channel 20. The terms bottom and top as used herein refer to the substrate plate and the cover plate sides of the channel, respectively, although the cell need not necessarily be oriented in use with the substrate plate on the bottom. In fact, because particles such as blood cells sediment in fluids such as plasma, it is preferred that the sensor be oriented with the sample stream below the carrier stream if the sample stream is turbid. If the cell is fabricated in a way which does not utilize substrate and cover plates, the top is the side with the sample fluid and the bottom is the side with the carrier fluid. In a preferred embodiment the depth of the channel increases at the carrier inlet to accommodate the carrier stream. In the illustrated embodiment a plurality of reagent inlets, 50, 52 and 54, positioned in parallel, join the flow channel at the bottom, between carrier inlet 40 and outlet 60. Parallel inlets need not be lined up as illustrated, but are laterally positioned in different parts of the stream.

[0059] Preferably the depth does not increase at the reagent inlets. The flowing layers are not perturbed because the reagent inlets are narrower than the channel and because the reagent volume is small relative to the sample and carrier stream volumes. In this embodiment, all fluid streams exit through outlet 60. Alternatively, specimen channels can branch from the side or bottom of the channel before the outlet.

[0060] Each reagent inlet can be used for a different reagent, and multiple analytes can be simultaneously detected. In one embodiment, the spacing of the different reagent inlets is far enough apart so that there is no significant mixing or interaction between reagents. Alternatively, to avoid crosstalk partitions can be placed between separate flow streams. In a second embodiment, the reagent inlets are spaced so that the reagent plumes overlap, and the interaction region can be monitored.

[0061] The sensor has been illustrated with fluid reagent inlet 50. The reagent particles can be in solution or can be immobilized on a bead carried by a fluid. In lieu of a fluid inlet, a solid reagent inlet can be employed, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Plate 10 has cavity 58 which can be filled with a solid pellet of reagent 158. For the case of multiple reagents there is a series of cavities. The term pellet is used herein for a solid or viscous mass of reagent which can be immobilized on the sensor plate. It can be recessed in a cavity, as shown, or can sit on the surface of the plate. Carrier stream 140 flows over the reagent pellet and carries the dissolved or suspended reagent downstream, as shown by dashed line 151.

[0062] The reagent pellet is preferably soluble in the carrier fluid. The pellet can utilize a soluble reagent carrier, for example a sugar such as trehalose. The reagent pellet is placed into the sensor before use. Preformed pieces of dry reagent can be inserted or, more simply, a solution of the reagent can be injected into the cavity followed by immobilizing the reagent by a process such as drying or gelation. After insertion of the reagent pellet, the sensor is assembled for use. This embodiment, with solid reagent pellets, is particularly suited for disposable use.

[0063] Because the flow channel operates in low Reynolds number conditions, the flow of the carrier across the solid pellet maintains a smooth flow. The flow velocity immediately over the pellet varies as the pellet shrinks, and, for a cavity placed pellet, the cavity deepens. The dissolution rate of the analyte varies over time as the pellet shrinks. Reproducibilitycan be improved by making the measurements at a specific point during the dissolution process. The measurement point can be determined, in one embodiment, by the rate of dissolution of a reference substance. An adjacent cavity contains a fluorescent or otherwise easily traceable marker immobilized in a pellet with similar dispersal characteristics to the reagent pellet. Alternatively, the system can be calibrated with a calibrant solution before and/or after sample measurements. In another embodiment, the rate of dissolution is made relatively constant by modifying the shape of the cavity or by layering different reagent/reagent-carrier mixtures.

[0064] Reporter beads as the reagent can be introduced through a liquid or solid reagent inlet. For cases when the reagent is immobilized on a bead, the reagent does not appreciably diffuse into the carrier stream, and the analyte must diffuse through the carrier stream to the reagent. Reporter beads can be used to measure pH, oxygen saturation, ion content, alcohols, pesticides, organic salts such as lactate, sugars such as glucose, heavy metals, and drugs such as salicylic acid, halothane and narcotics. Each reporter bead comprises a bead having a plurality of at least one type of fluorescent reporter molecules immobilized thereon. A fluorescent or absorption property of the reporter bead is sensitive to a corresponding analyte. Reporter beads can be added at the reagent inlet and the analyte concentration can be determined by observing the sensor flow channel from above or by removing beads and analyte through a specimen channel and measuring individual beads, for example in a flow cytometer. When removed in a specimen channel, the use of reporter beads allows for a plurality of analytes to be measured simultaneously through a single reagent inlet because the beads can be tagged with different reporter molecules.

[0065] Magnetic beads can be used as the reporter beads. In this embodiment, the beads are pulled into the sample stream by a magnetic field. They can be immobilized to allow longer contact time with the analyte. Optionally, they can be pulled back into the carrier stream, for example for contact with a second analyte.

[0066] When the sample is a turbid sample, such as blood, it is useful to filter the sample before measurement, especially for optical measurement. While any filter known in the art can be employed, a preferred filter is a diffusion based microfilter, as described in U.S. Patent Application 08/663,916, Patent No. 5,932,100. The filter can lie in the plane of the substrate or a plane perpendicular to the substrate. The perpendicular filter is shown in combination with a sensor in Fig. 4. Unfiltered-sample fluid 180 enters through inlet 80 and extraction fluid 170 enters through inlet 70. The two fluids flow in adjacent laminar streams in the filter's laminar flow channel, and analyte particles from the sample fluid diffuse into the extraction stream. The remaining turbid material 190, such as cells, termed herein the residual sample, is discharged through outlet 90. Because particles such as blood cells sediment in fluids such as plasma, it is preferred that the filter be oriented with the turbid sample stream below the extraction stream. The extraction stream of the filter is the sample stream for the sensor, and enters through sample inlet 30. In the sensor, carrier fluid 140 joins the sample stream through inlet 40. Fluid reagent 150 enters through inlet 50, and reagent particles diffuse through the carrier stream. Changes in optical properties on interaction with the analyte are not illustrated in this figure.

[0067] A second reagent 156 can enter downstream of the first reagent through port 56 positioned in series with the first reagent inlet. Electrodes 51 and 57 useful for electrochemical detection may be placed between the reagent inlets 50 and 56 and the outlet. Sequential addition of reagents is used, for example, in sandwich assays. For example, when the analyte is an antigen the first reagent can be a bead with a selective antibody and the second reagent can be a secondary antibody with an attached flourophor. In another example of an embodiment using multiple reagents in series, the sample stream is blood, the first reagent is glucose oxidase, and the second reagent contains a pH sensitive dye. As glucose particles from the blood diffuse into the carrier stream they are changed to gluconic acid which is detected by the pH-sensitive dye.

[0068] Means for applying pressure to the flow of the feed fluids through the device can also be provided. Such means can be provided at the feed inlets and/or the outlet (e.g. as vacuum exerted by chemical or mechanical means). Means for applying such pressure are known to the art, and include the use of a column of water or other means of applying water pressure, electroendoosmotic forces, optical forces, gravitational forces, and surface tension forces. Rather than a pressure source, a flow source can be used at the inlets, for example a syringe.

[0069]Figure 5 shows a portion of a laminar flow channel 20 terminating in a chamber 75 containing an absorbent pad 76. The absorbent pad is a piece of filter paper designed to absorb about 1 ml of fluid, the required volume of fluid required to perform the assay for which the sensor is devised. Figure 6 shows a portion of a laminar flow channel 20 terminating in a wall or barrier, and containing an absorbent pad 76.

[0070] The channel cells of this invention and the channels therein can be sized as determined by the size of the particles desired to be detected. As is known in the art, the diffusion coefficient for the analyte particles is generally inversely related to the size of the particle. Once the diffusion coefficient for the particles desired to be detected is known, the contact time of the two streams, size of the central channel, relative volumes of the streams, pressure and velocities of the streams can be adjusted to achieve the desired diffusion pattern.

[0071] Fluid dynamic behavior is directly related to the Reynolds number of the flow. As the Reynolds number is reduced, flow patterns depend more on viscous effects and less on inertial effects. Below a certain Reynolds number, e.g., 0.1, inertial effects can essentially be ignored. The microfluidic devices of this invention do not require inertial effects to perform their tasks, and therefore have no inherent limit on their miniaturization due to Reynolds number effects. The devices of this invention require laminar, non-turbulent flow and are designed according to the foregoing principles to produce flow having low Reynolds numbers, i.e. Reynolds numbers below about 1.

[0072] The devices of the preferred embodiment of this invention are capable of analyzing a sample of a size between about 0.01 microliters and about 20 microliters within a few seconds, e.g. within about three seconds. For fluid reagent inlets, the devices may be reused. Clogging is minimized and reversible.

[0073] By adjusting the configuration of the channels in accordance with the principles discussed above to provide an appropriate channel length, flow velocity and contact time between the sample stream and the carrier stream, the size of the particles remaining in the sample stream and diffusing into the carrier stream can be controlled.

[0074] For some analytes with relatively small diffusion coefficients, a straight channel does not provide a long enough flow channel for diffusion to occur adequately. Detection of analytes with relatively small diffusion coefficients, e.g. relatively large analytes or non-spherical analytes, preferably employs a convoluted flow channel.

[0075] The channel cell system of this invention can be used to measure concentration of an analyte as a function of distance (from the reagent inlet) rather than time. An increment of distance is proportional to an increment of time. With laminar flow and a known flow speed, an increment of distance can be converted to an increment of time. The rate of, or rate constant for, a reaction can be determined using the diffusion based sensor of this invention. If the analyte concentration is known, the rate of reaction with the reagent can be obtained from the detection gradient. A rate constant for a reaction can be determined with only one measurement.

[0076] This invention has been described in a few preferred embodiments. Many variations falling within the spirit and scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Application of the channel system of this invention for use as a sensor has been described. It can also be used to synthesize multiple products as opposed to sensing multiple analytes. In the reactor embodiment, the "sample" stream contains a first reagent, which reacts with a reagent from the reagent inlet to form a product. In this embodiment the product is collected rather than detected. Since the structure is the same, the device is herein termed a sensor, though it may also be used as a reactor.

[0077] A few specific chemical reactions have been recited; any reaction or interaction which produces a detectable change in either the reagent or analyte can be used. A few detection means have been described; other analytical means can be employed. The sensor can be coupled with pretreatment and post treatment apparatuses, such as fillers, separators, reactors and detectors. The device can include additional inlets and outlets. The scope is limited only by the following claims and their equivalents. 

Claims A diffusion based sensor, comprising: a laminar flow channel having an upstream end and a downstream end; a sample inlet connected to said laminar flow channel for conducting a sample fluid stream into said laminar flow channel;a carrier inlet connected to said laminar flow channel for conducting a carrier fluid stream into said laminar flow channel in layered laminar flow contact with said sample fluid; a first reagent inlet connecting with said laminar channel downstream from said carrier inlet for introducing a reagent into said laminar flow channel in contact with said carrier fluid stream. The sensor of claim 1 wherein said first reagent inlet is a reagent stream inlet for conducting a first reagent stream into said laminar flow channel in layered laminar flow contact with said carrier stream. The sensor of claim 1 wherein said first reagent inlet is a solid reagent inlet. The sensor of claim 3 wherein said solid reagent inlet is a cavity within said flow channel positioned to allow solid reagent to diffuse into said carrier stream. The sensor of claim 1 also comprising an outlet connected to said laminar flow channel downstream from said inlets. The sensor of claim 1 not comprising an outlet to said laminar flow channel. The sensor of claim 1 comprising an absorbent material within said laminar flow channel downstream from said inlets. The sensor of claim 1 further comprising a second reagent inlet connected to said laminar flow channel downstream from said carrier inlet for introducing a second reagent into said laminar flow channel in contact with said carrier fluid stream. The sensor of claim 8 wherein said second reagent inlet is positioned downstream from said first reagent inlet. The sensor of claim 8 further comprising a third reagent inlet connected to said laminar flow channel downstream from said carrier inlet for introducing a third reagent into said laminar flow channel in contact with said carrier fluid stream. The sensor of claim 10 wherein said third reagent inlet is positioned downstream from said second reagent inlet. The sensor of claim 1 comprising a plurality of reagent inlets connected to said laminar flow channel downstream from said carrier inlet for introducing second and subsequent reagents into said laminar flow channel in contact with said carrier fluid stream, said reagent inlets being positioned in parallel with each other. The sensor of claim 12 also comprising multiple detectors positioned with respect to said channel to detect interaction of components of said sample stream with said reagents. The sensor of claim 1 comprising a plurality of reagent inlets connected to said laminar flow channel downstream from said carrier inlet for introducing second and subsequent reagents into said laminar flow channel in contact with said carrier fluid stream, said reagent inlets being positioned in series with each other. The sensor of claim 14 also comprising multiple detectors positioned with respect to said channel to detect interaction of components of said sample stream with said reagents. The sensor of claim 1 wherein said channel is enlarged at said carrier inlet to accommodate the carrier stream layer. The sensor of claim 1 wherein said channel is a convoluted channel. The sensor of claim 1 wherein the length of said channel is between about 5 mm and 50 mm. The sensor of claim 1 wherein said sample inlet is preceded by a filter. The sensor of claim 19 wherein said filter is a diffusion based microfilter. The sensor of claim 1 for use with optical detection wherein at least a portion of said channel is formed in a transparent material. The sensor of claim 1 for use with electrochemical detection further comprising an electrode positioned in said channel downstream from said reagent inlet. The sensor of claim 22 further comprising one or more additional electrodes positioned in said channel downstream from said reagent inlet. The sensor of claim 23 wherein said electrodes are positioned in series. The sensor of claim 22 wherein said electrode is deposited on the surface of said channel. The sensor of claim 1 for use with both electrochemical and optical detection, wherein at least a portion of said channel is formed in a transparent material, and wherein said channel comprises an electrode positioned in said channel downstream from said reagent inlet. 